Alabama Shad

HB 434 — STATE MIGRATORY FISH FOR ALABAMA: ALOSA ALABAMAE, ALABAMA SHAD

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE BILL

 

ABOUT THE ALABAMA SHAD

The Alabama shad was discovered in the Black Warrior River, in the late 19th century. At one time, the fish was present in almost every major river basin in the state. It was also found throughout the Mississippi River basin, as far north as Iowa. Today it is present mostly in Gulf Coast rivers like the Choctawhatchee and Conecuh. Federally-funded efforts to reconnect habitat for migratory aquatic species are underway, and recognizing the importance of this species (and other migratory fish) to Alabama’s history and environment will help further those efforts.

ABOUT MIGRATORY FISH

Migratory fish are critical to the health of other fish, mussels, and freshwater ecosystems as a whole. Migratory fish essentially act as a conveyor belt for nutrients, growing large in their ocean habitats, and returning to their home rivers to spawn. During this journey they provide food for other fish species, and help freshwater mussels complete their lifecycle. No other state has more species of freshwater fishes, mussels, aquatic snails, or crayfishes than Sweet Home Alabama. This unique category of fish is worthy of recognition alongside our existing official state freshwater and saltwater fish, and will help shed light on the critical role these long-distance travelers play in Alabama’s aquatic environment.

Let’s recognize our unique biodiversity and name the Alabama Shad the Official Migratory Fish of Alabama!

 

HB 434 passed out of committee unanimously on April 16, 2024.

Stay tuned for next steps.

 

Click here to read the bill.